This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 11:00 Meet at Odawara Station. Store luggage in coin lockers, purchase Hakone Free Pass
- 11:27-13:30 Travel to Owakudani (Hakone Tozan Railway, Cable Car, Ropeway)
- Due to an accident on the Odakyu Line, the travel time to Hakone-Yumoto was significantly delayed beyond schedule.
- 13:30-13:50 Explore Owakudani. Take photos, purchase black eggs
- 13:55-14:25 Travel (Ropeway) Over 10 minutes of waiting occurred due to congestion at the boarding area
- 14:30-15:00 Board pirate ship, disembark at Hakone-machi Port
- 15:05-15-30 Break at Hakone-machi. Coffee break
- 15:35-16:25 Travel to Hakone-Yumoto (Bus)
- 16:30-16:50 Shopping at Hakone-Yumoto
- 16:56-17:10 Travel to Odawara on Hakone Tozan Railway
- 17:15 Tour ends in front of the coin lockers
Title: What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Due to a delay caused by an accident on a private railway line (which also affected the Hakone mountain railway) and heavier-than-expected crowds, the tour could not proceed on the shortest planned schedule, but because I had prepared several backup plans just in case, I was able to carry out the tour without causing the guests any worry. The guests told me that seeing Mount Fuji was the main goal of this tour, but since clouds had gathered from the morning, I was quite concerned. However, while at Owakudani and aboard the pirate ship, Mount Fuji became clearly visible through a break in the clouds at Hakonemachi Port, and the guests were very delighted. After the tour ended, the guests headed to Kyoto on the 18:07 bullet train departing from Odawara. Since the forecast predicted clear skies around the Mishima area in the evening, I told them that Mount Fuji would be visible from the window on the right side in the direction of travel of the bullet train before we parted. Afterward, I received a message via a messaging app, along with photos, saying they had enjoyed a wonderful view. I was relieved as a guide that everyone's goal had been achieved.
Click here for more details: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | 6000～0 | 6,000JPY |
| Total | 6,000JPY | ||
Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal guide, and we had an incredible day. He was so accommodating and willing to change plans to suit our needs. We had the best time and really loved everything he planned for us to do. He’s also a great conversationalist!
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
Tripadvisor review: Asakusa & Yanaka Local Street Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My…
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
Tripadvisor review: Asakusa & Yanaka Local Street Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My family and I really enjoyed our tour of Senso-ji combined with a food tour. He made our trip special.
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
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Introduction to Tokyo
I was travelling with my…
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Introduction to Tokyo
I was travelling with my mother & thought a walking tour in the heritage areas of Tokyo would be a great introduction on our first day. Our guide Asushi put together an itinerary based on our preferences & to suit the needs of my 83 yr old mother. Asushi was a caring & generous guide who wanted to make the most of our day. We enjoyed hearing about his life, family & faith, giving us a greater understanding of Japanese culture.
Apr 18, 2026
BrightonKennedys
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Half-day in Tokyo
We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with…
Apr 18, 2026
BrightonKennedys
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Half-day in Tokyo
We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with Atsushi, who was very friendly and
knowledgeable. Half a day is only enough to scratch the surface but Atsushi was able to
accommodate and tailor the tour to our interests. Would recommend.